Research Associate

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We have an exciting position available for a Research Associate to join WASM: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering working with the School researchers and the Curtin Corrosion Centre to support the ongoing activity within this area. 

Consolidating engineering, economics and science capabilities to form WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, the School attracts strong industry partnerships and investment in high-tech facilities, operating from campuses in Perth and the historic mining town of Kalgoorlie located in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket.
We encourage a progressive and diverse workplace, offering generous superannuation and salary packaging benefits. We are committed to looking after our employees by promoting health and wellbeing, work flexibility, and personal development opportunities.   

Your new role
 
Sustainable management of mining-influenced water (MIW) and mine wastes are critical enablers of the future critical minerals industry. The move towards zero waste in mining would require all mining water discharged will be pristine or otherwise valuable to communities, and reprocessing or repurposing of tailings and mine wastes to reduce environmental impact and unlock economic benefits.
Assoc Prof Richard Alorro has spent his career to date working on innovative technologies that could offer solutions to water and waste problems in mining. These research projects include the use of bi-metallic particles to recover potentially toxic and valuable metals from solution, and recovery of critical metals from tailings and slag. Early findings highlighted the potential of bi-metallic particles to treat mining influenced water (MIW), particularly acid mine drainage. This work was a finalist in the Curtin innovation Awards 2023. Findings on the extraction of critical metals, such as nickel and cobalt, from non-ferrous slag, also showed great potential, achieving high recovery rates at mild conditions.
The MIW and mine waste projects can offer opportunities for multiple students to be involved (UG and PG final year students) and contribute significantly to the learning and teaching portfolio of the WASM: MECE.

This position of Research Associate is to support the lead researcher, Assoc Prof Richard Alorro in collecting data, managing the mining-influenced water MIW and mine waste projects, and co-supervising students.
As the Research Associate, you will be responsible for:

• Deliver high quality teaching to undergraduate students and involvement in honours and/or graduate level teaching where appropriate. 
• Conduct tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, workshops, student field excursions, clinical sessions and/or studio sessions, as appropriate, which stimulate and foster student learning.
• Contribute to research output, normally as part of a research group.
• Publish/exhibit in high quality journals/outlets (often in collaboration with colleagues) in manner consistent with disciplinary practice.
• Disseminate research findings through seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Provide support for project funding by assisting with proposal writing, identifying opportunities for leveraging resources, and actively seeking project funds.

• Candidates should possess teaching experience or lab demonstration skills.
• Candidates are required to hold a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Materials Science or related field, with strong chemical background. Research experience relating to acid mine drainage, wastewater treatment, metal separation and purification, or leaching is desirable.
• Model a high standard of professional behaviour consistent with the University Code of Conduct and Vision, Mission, and Values.

This position is 

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To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Richard Alorro at [email protected] and/or [email protected] for queries relating to the application process.

About us
We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au
Join us!

To apply, please provide your CV, cover letter and a separate document in response to the selection criteria (found with the below link) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role. 

To view a copy of the Position Description, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser.
https://tinyurl.com/acc3h5u7
Applications close: 5PM AWST Thursday 2 May 2024 

What we offer

• Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2023 rankings.
• Adaptable Work Environment: While our primary office is located at our Bentley Campus, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's work environment. Hybrid working arrangements are provided in accordance with business needs.
• Salary Packaging: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) and customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise.
• Competitive Leave Entitlements: Experience the added value of 17.5% Leave Loading, with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20 days), Personal Leave (14 days), Curtin University Leave (2 days), Study Leave, and Community Service Leave. Plus, access to Long Service Leave after 7 years of continuous service (65 days/13-week entitlement for full-time staff).
• Career and Development Opportunities: In line with our 2030 Strategic Plan, Curtin is committed to providing an inspiring, rewarding, and meaningful experience for our staff -empowering them to lead, innovate and strive for excellence. We provide staff with career and development opportunities, including access to various online and in-person training and info-sessions.
• Health and Wellness: Our on-campus Medical Centre prioritises Curtin staff and students. Join Curtin's Healthy Lifestyle Program, with up to 2 hours per week of paid time off to engage in University-approved healthy lifestyle activities. Explore Curtin’s wellbeing locations at https://tinyurl.com/mtyf3vad.

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction. At Curtin, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation and this position may also require you to have a current Working With Children Check.

If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1).